Amy Sowards MS, RD

DIETITIAN INSTITUTE

for something nutrishus

I would love to see Dietitians as the de facto expert in the field. BUT…we have to create that for ourselves. I don’t believe in disparaging other professions who we perceive as “stepping on the toes” of RDs. I believe in RDs going out and being amazing and showcasing why we are the experts.

Libby recommended Amy to the series, based on their work together and their unique co-coaching through Make Time for Social Coaching. Amy's business is interesting and her career path quite varied. The world of creating courses and credentials is one I know very little about, but it's always interesting to me to see how the pieces fall into place and turn into a business opportunity.

Why did you become a RD?

I started college with intentions of becoming a Physical Therapist. At the time (1996) I don’t think I knew what a Registered Dietitian even was! Nutrition 101 was a required course for entrance into the PT program. I instantly fell in love with the class. Helping people improve their health via nutrition just seemed like a perfect path for me.

What area of dietetics do you work in?

Entrepreneurship and Education

How would you explain what you do?

I am a continuing education provider and mentor for Registered Dietitians who want to create their own opportunities.

My first job was at a cardiac centered hospital. However, I felt very unfilled fairly quickly! You would see a patient for 5 minutes, maybe 10. I never knew if I was making an impact. From there, I moved on to Skilled Nursing facilities. It fulfilled my need to see the results of my interventions, but I still felt there was more I wanted to do.

From there, I started picking up “side jobs”-writing menus for assisted living facilities, providing consulting services for home health, long term care and correctional facilities, creating clinical based continuing education courses for other CEU companies and working 1:1 with private clients in their home. These side jobs have spurned my current business.

What advanced education or special training do you have?

MS in Nutrition, Registered Yoga Teacher; also I love learning so I am always talking courses on how to improve myself and my business.

In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now?

I would love to see Dietitians as the de facto expert in the field. BUT…we have to create that for ourselves. I don’t believe in disparaging other professions who we perceive as “stepping on the toes” of RDs. I believe in RDs going out and being amazing and showcasing why we are the experts.

What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?

That we are not judging your food choices.

What would you like people to know about RDs?

That we are not here to take away your favorite foods. We want to show you how to incorporate mindfulness and making choices that satisfy you but also taste good (it’s possible!)

What are challenges you encounter as a RD?

Teaching my RD coaching clients that what they do truly matters!

What do people think that you do for a living?

I have always been polite but outspoken and succinct about what a Dietitian does. So, if people didn’t know what I did, they knew after we chatted about.

What are you passionate about in dietetics?

Mindful and Intuitive Eating is my main passion! However, I also think functional nutrition is extremely interesting.

What makes RDs unique/different from other nutrition/wellness professionals?

The fact that we have many tools in our back pocket when it comes to nutrition and wellness.

What is your favourite meal?

I love all food! But, the best meal I ever had was Chilean Sea Bass, Pumpkin Risotto and Asparagus and Pot De Creme for dessert :)

What tip(s) would you give to our readers?

We are all in this together! As a profession we should be supporting one another (even if we don’t necessarily teach or like another RDs approach). Also, you can create the career you want! It takes hard work, but it’s possible!